Premier Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera on Friday said that it would be “impossible” to get a substitute for speed merchant Lasith Malinga but able replacements for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara may come through in the next 5-6 years.(STATS || POINTS TABLE || FIXTURES)

“It will take at least 5-6 years for the Sri Lankan team to replace Mahela and Sanga. At least when it comes to the two batting slots. Even Sanga initially needed some time to settle down. So, for a player to settle down, it may take another two to three years,” Thisara told PTI during an interaction at the Ferozshah Kotla on Friday.

But what was more alarming was his assessment of Sri Lankan cricket post Malinga’s imminent international retirement.

“We will never get another guy like Lasith. It is not possible. Also we have off spinners and leg-spinners but there are no quality left-arm spinner like Rangana Herath. We don’t have any,” Thisara lamented.

Asked if there is any batsman who has caught his attention, the allrounder named Roshan Silva.

“It is my observation but there is Roshan Silva who can be a good prospect. He has been playing for Sri Lanka A team.”

He knows that it will be curtains for Sri Lanka if they lose on Saturday.

“We must win tomorrow to stay in competition. We have practised well. I have played 6-7 matches on this ground during IPL and for Lanka. I have idea about conditions. In my opinion, India are favourites to win in home conditions,” said Thisara.